Chapter 5.12
TAXICABS
Sections:
5.12.030 Licenses and fees required.
5.12.040 Number of vehicles authorized.
5.12.070 Licensee to have exclusive rights.
5.12.080 Qualifications for licensees.
5.12.090 Proof of qualifications.
5.12.100 Equipment safety checks.
5.12.110 Drivers operating taxi.
5.12.010 Purpose.
The provisions of this chapter are an exercise of the power of the city to ensure the safety and welfare of the general public. (Ord. 920 § 3 (part), 2019: Ord. 489 § 3, 1988)
5.12.020 Findings.
The city of Brewster declares it necessary to regulate and to limit the number of operators and vehicles permitted to carry passengers within the town limits to ensure the safety and welfare of the general public. (Ord. 920 § 3 (part), 2019: Ord. 489 § 4, 1988)
5.12.030 Licenses and fees required.
A. Every person, firm or corporation must first obtain a license from the city to carry passengers in a for-hire vehicle from any point within the city. A “taxi stand” fee of thirty-five dollars shall be charged for the use of one of the designated taxi parking areas located one block south and one block north of Main Avenue on Bridge Street. These are the only designated parking areas for taxis in the city of Brewster. Persons operating taxis are required to use those areas. The owner of the taxi must also purchase a city business license as provided for in Chapter 5.04 of this code.
B. Drivers operating the taxis must purchase a taxi driver’s permit. The fee for this permit will be five dollars. All for-hire licenses and permits required under this chapter expire December 31st of each year. (Ord. 920 § 3 (part), 2019: Ord. 489 § 5, 1988)
5.12.040 Number of vehicles authorized.
The city may not issue licenses to “carry passenger vehicles for hire” to more than two carriers, who may be either individuals, firms and/or corporations. (Ord. 920 § 3 (part), 2019: Ord. 489 § 6, 1988)
5.12.050 Hours of operation.
A licensee is required to be available for calls twenty-four hours per day. (Ord. 920 § 3 (part), 2019: Ord. 489 § 7, 1988)
5.12.060 Schedule of fares.
A schedule of fares must be posted in a place where patrons may readily see such schedule in all for-hire vehicles, in the office of the licensee, and must be filed with the city clerk. No licensee may charge more than the posted price for any passenger. (Ord. 920 § 3 (part), 2019: Ord. 489 § 8, 1988)
5.12.070 Licensee to have exclusive rights.
No for-hire vehicles licensed by other towns, cities or counties may operate within the city of Brewster without a license from the city of Brewster and may not pick up any passengers from Brewster except on request from the patron. (Ord. 920 § 3 (part), 2019: Ord. 489 § 9, 1988)
5.12.080 Qualifications for licensees.
To obtain a license for carrying passengers for hire, an application must be obtained from the city clerk. The application will contain the following information:
A. Name, address and birthdate of applicant;
B. Make and serial number of each vehicle to be licensed;
C. Number of passengers each vehicle will carry;
D. Current state driver’s license number;
E. Yearly proof of amount and charter of insurance carried on each vehicle;
F. Name, address and phone number of all drivers (all drivers must apply for a taxi driver’s permit);
G. Compliance with all state requirements required of vehicles carrying passengers for hire. (Ord. 920 § 3 (part), 2019: Ord. 489 § 10, 1988)
5.12.090 Proof of qualifications.
A. Such application, prior to issuing license, must be referred to the chief of police who will investigate the driving records of each driver and compliance of all vehicles with all applicable laws and the requirements of the city of Brewster concerning such requirements. No driver may be authorized or permitted to drive a vehicle carrying passengers for hire without first having a clearance from the chief of police. No clearance may be permitted for any person not having a valid Washington driver’s license or who has been convicted of a gross misdemeanor or felony within the immediately prior five years.
B. After receiving such application and report from the chief of police, the city clerk may then authorize the issuance of license upon the payment of the required fees, or if, in the judgment of the city clerk, it is contrary to the public’s interest and safety, the city clerk may deny such application for license.
C. In the event more than two carriers apply for license, then the city council will determine which of the two applicants are most qualified to provide the best and safest service to the public. Not more than two licenses will be authorized by the city. (Ord. 920 § 3 (part), 2019: Ord. 489 § 11, 1988)
5.12.100 Equipment safety checks.
All vehicles used for hire within the city of Brewster will, at least once a year, have a safety check by a professional mechanic, that is a person who operates a business of repairing automobiles in the city of Brewster. The city must be furnished proof of such inspections and proof that all defects, if any, were corrected prior to vehicle being used as a for-hire vehicle in the city of Brewster. (Ord. 920 § 3 (part), 2019: Ord. 489 § 12, 1988)
5.12.110 Drivers operating taxi.
Every applicant must possess the following qualifications: He/she must be at least eighteen years of age, and duly licensed to drive a for-hire vehicle under the laws of the state of Washington. He/she must show that he/she has good knowledge of the laws of the state of Washington, and the ordinances of the city of Brewster, Washington, relating to the driving and operation of motor vehicles. All drivers must obtain a taxi driver’s permit from the city clerk. (Ord. 920 § 3 (part), 2019: Ord. 489 § 13, 1989)
5.12.120 Violation—Penalty.
Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this chapter will, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars, and the license of such person may be revoked. (Ord. 920 § 3 (part), 2019: Ord. 489 § 14, 1989)